Just a week after losing star wide receiver Julian Edelman, the Patriots look to be without Cyrus Jones for the foreseeable future as well. During the second quarter of the Patriots final preseason game, Jones was defending a Giants receiver when his knee buckled and he fell to the ground. He needed help off the field and will head for an MRI tomorrow, however, the likely prognosis is a torn ACL.

Per Mark Daniels of the ProJo: The initial diagnosis on Cyrus Jones’ knee is not good. thought is season ending. MRI tomorrow. 😔 @cover32_NE

If/when the injury is confirmed, it will come with a disappointing end to a promising sophomore season for Jones. After struggling mightily during his rookie campaign, Jones had been playing better throughout camp. A sign that he was beginning to turn the corner. Now it is all for not, as he will likely be lost for the season. Joining Julian Edelman on the Patriots I.R. list.

Replacing Jones’ production on the field won’t be nearly as difficult as replacing Edelman’s. Jones played limited snaps on defense in 2016, amassing just three tackles all year. Projected as a dynamic kick returner, Jones struggled from the get-go. He ended the season with five fumbles and an extended stay in Bill Belichick’s doghouse.

With that said, Jones was a lock for the roster. Especially given his second-round pedigree. This will open a spot for a fringe player, such as Austin Carr or D.J. Foster. Just with the Edelman injury last week, the one positive to come is that a player that would otherwise not make the team will find himself on the 53-man roster.

With Malcolm Butler, Stephon Gilmore, and Eric Rowe atop the depth chart, the fourth and fifth cornerback is still up for grabs. Most assumed Jones would have filled one of those roles. Now, guys like Justin Coleman and D.J. Killings saw their chance of making the roster increase.

The Patriots went on to lose to the Giants in the final preseason game of the year. Never have Patriots fans been more thrilled to be done with the preseason.

– Ian Glendon is a National Co-Editor for cover32 and the Managing Editor for cover32/Patriots. He covers the NFL and New England Patriots. Like and follow on Follow @iglen31Follow @cover32_NE and Facebook.